| Most of the time, a leaking faucet is due to a | | | | cap in the center of the handle. Once the screw is |
| damaged or worn out washer. After time and | | | | removed, pry the handle up and off the stem. Next, |
| continued use, the rubber washer can harden, tear, | | | | unthread the stem by turning it according to the "on" |
| or lose its form which prevents it from adequately | | | | direction. If any metal chips are found or are created |
| sealing off water flow. Usually, the procedure is to | | | | from working on the faucet parts, be sure to |
| tighten the faucet even more to keep it from | | | | remove them as these can cause additional damage |
| leaking, but this only causes more damage to the | | | | by the constant working of the faucet while in use. |
| washer and can also damage other internal parts. It is | | | | The washer is located at the bottom of the stem |
| recommended to replace the washer as soon as | | | | and is held in place by a brass screw. Remove the |
| leaking begins under normal torque of the faucet | | | | screw and the washer from the stem. Take the |
| handle. | | | | washer with you to a plumbing hardware store. |
| To replace the washer, turn off the source of water | | | | Faucet washers come in a variety of styles and sizes |
| to the faucet. There is normally a shutoff valve | | | | so it's best to match it up correctly on the first trip. |
| located under kitchen and bathroom sinks, or, for a | | | | Install the new washer and reassemble the stem. |
| bathtub, it is located behind a panel, in a crawlspace, | | | | Apply a small portion of petroleum jelly or silicone |
| or in a basement (for first floor bathrooms). You can | | | | grease to the stem threads to make the faucet's |
| also turn off the water supply at the main valve if it | | | | action smoother. Reattach the handle. Turn the |
| is easier to locate. | | | | water back on at the source and open and close |
| Find and remove the Phillips-head screw on the top | | | | your faucet to test it. Problem solved. |
| of the faucet handle. This is usually located under a | | | | |